2025 has been a transformational year for Swim England North East Diving, marked by exceptional performances on the national and international stage, significant coach and workforce development, and growing opportunities for divers across the region. From grassroots participation to World Championship representation, the North East diving pathway has continued to demonstrate its strength, depth and ambition.
Strong Foundations Through Regional Competition
The year began with the North East Regional Diving Championships in January, followed by a second successful championship event in May. Both competitions showcased the increasing standard of diving across the region and provided athletes with valuable competitive experience in a supportive environment. The championships highlighted the continued growth of clubs and the emerging talent progressing through the regional pathway.
Investing in the Future: Development Day Success
A major highlight of the year was the North East Regional Development Day held on 4th October 2025, which brought together athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers from across the region. The event demonstrated Swim England North East’s commitment to long-term workforce and athlete development.
A total of 57 divers from Bradford, Darlington, Leeds and Sheffield attended the day, taking part in twisting workshops in both dryland and pool environments, alongside a fun, low-pressure competition designed to help divers practice routines and experiment with new dive lists ahead of the main competition season. Divers also benefited from access to trampolines as part of their training experience, an opportunity traditionally more accessible within Sheffield programmes.
The event also delivered significant coach and volunteer education opportunities:
- Five North East coaches attended a Judge 2 course, representing Leeds, Sheffield, Harrogate and Darlington.
- Six parents completed a Team Manager 1 course, helping strengthen the volunteer network supporting competitions.
- Four developing coaches attended as shadow coaches, gaining valuable experience alongside established practitioners.
- Coaches from Harrogate, Leeds and Maltby were introduced to diver rigging techniques in dryland training, broadening technical knowledge across the region.
Growing the Coaching Workforce
The region continued to invest heavily in coach education throughout 2025, delivering both a Swim England Assistant Diving Coach Course in February and a Swim England Diving Coach Course in September. These courses are critical in strengthening the coaching workforce and ensuring sustainable development opportunities for divers across all levels of the sport.
International Success Across the Pathway
North East divers and coaches represented Great Britain and Swim England at numerous prestigious international competitions throughout 2025, reinforcing the region’s status as one of the country’s leading diving hubs.
Aquatics GB Representation
At the Dresden Youth International in March, Leeds divers Livia Thomas and Hakim Whyte competed alongside Sheffield athletes Daisy Lindsay, Lois Bruce, Simeon Grieg, Sebastian Willcox and Robbie Wood. Coaches Marc Holdsworth and Georgia Davenport also represented the region internationally.
The 8 Nations competition in Aachen, Germany, saw Sheffield athletes Daisy Lindsay, Lois Bruce, Simeon Grieg, Oscar Willcox, Noah Bartle and Archie Biggin compete internationally, supported by coaches Georgia Davenport and Ross Haslam.
At the European Junior Championships in Athens, North East representation remained exceptionally strong. Leeds diver Felix Wheeler competed alongside Sheffield divers Simeon Grieg, Robbie Wood, Lois Bruce and Daisy Lindsay, with Georgia Davenport selected as coach.
The region also celebrated senior international success:
- Leon Baker represented Great Britain at the European Diving Championships in Turkey and the Bolzano International Meet.
- Tilly Brown and Leon Baker competed at the 67th International Divers Day in Rostock, Germany.
- Yasmin Harper, Jack Laugher, Anthony Harding, Lois Toulson, Tilly Brown, Maisie Bond and Jordan Houldon all represented Great Britain at the Diving World Cup and later at the 2025 World Diving Championships in Singapore, alongside coach Tom Owens.
Swim England Representation and Emerging Talent
North East athletes also earned selection for Swim England representative events in Rome during June 2025.
Leeds athletes Lucas Bishop, Ralph Airey and Hakim Whyte attended alongside coach Chloe Johnson, while Sheffield diver Izzy Diacon represented the region with coach Declan Rogan.
The region’s talent pathway continues to thrive, with several divers selected for the Swim England Youth Development Programme:
Sheffield
- Ayla Jackson
- Sebastian Karanjit
- Millie Bailey
Leeds
- Daisy Costello
- Betsy Crossley
Additionally, Toby Dorey received a special invitation to attend part of the camp programme following outstanding performances at the Talent Games competition, despite being below the usual selection age.
Recognition and Awards
Individual excellence across the region was recognised nationally during 2025.
Simeon Grieg received recognition through Swim England awards, reflecting his outstanding performances and progression during the year.
At the Aquatics GB Awards:
- Tom Owens was named Diving Coach of the Year.
- Yasmin Harper was awarded Diver of the Year.
A Region Continuing to Thrive
The achievements of 2025 underline the strength of the North East diving community at every level — from first-time competitors and developing coaches to Olympic-level athletes competing on the world stage. Through investment in people, collaboration between clubs, and a commitment to excellence, Swim England North East Diving continues to create a thriving environment where athletes, coaches and volunteers can succeed together.
